Friday, June 27, 2014

The Quest for the Perfect Bodice

After studying the Sure Fit Design templates, attending a Connie Crawford seminar, and countless tries, you would think I already had a perfect bodice pattern. But no. My last dress was a good fit in the bust, shoulders, waist, and length, but I noticed that it falls straight down from the bust points. So I've decided that a princess seamed bodice is more flattering, welcome me to the 21st century. I bought two patterns today:

This "Amazing Fit" pattern was recommended. I've tried "Amazing Fit" patterns before, but, amazingly, they didn't fit worth a darn. However, not only is this a princess seamed dress with a full skirt (my current holy grail of dresses) but it has cup sizes. So my hopes are up.

Another pattern I am going to try is this McCall's (it was on sale, after all).

Note how similar these patterns are: princess seam, scoop neck, full skirt. Maybe if one doesn't work the other will... Then of course since I was in Hancock's for the pattern(s) I had to snoop at the fabric to find something cheap to try these out. Although I think I have a pretty large fabric stash it was annoying to find that I have very few fabrics suitable for the cruise I have planned for August. It seems as if I gravitate toward dance fabric or heavily embellished fabric suitable for jackets, and fabric for tennis clothes. There was nothing there for a lightweight but non-sheer outfit for strolling in the straw market. I picked up some challis and some linen/poly for what will hopefully be wearable muslins. Stay tuned!